Washington Evening Journal
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Betterment Pub Crawl again proves popular
Kalen McCain
Mar. 20, 2023 11:49 am
WASHINGTON — With around 290 people packing into area bars and party buses Saturday night, organizers said the return of the Washington Betterment Foundation’s annual Pub Crawl was a success.
Betterment Foundation Event Committee Member Steve Roth said there were fewer people than the last crawl in 2020, but that he was pleased with the crowd size nonetheless.
“We didn’t know what to expect … we’ve had a lot of people want it to come back and suggest it,” he said. “We were very happy with the turnout … it has built up, and it has been a thing that people look forward to now.”
The nonprofit Betterment Foundation gathers money for a litany of local causes with fundraising efforts throughout the year, but Roth said the Saturday night event was the organization’s biggest project. The exact amount raised was not yet clear by Monday morning.
Roth said he was especially grateful to the participating businesses. JP’s 207, Lebowski’s, Unc & Neph’s, Wagon Wheel Tap, and Washington Golf & Country Club all participated in the crawl, while raffle prizes were donated by Archer Appliances and Washington Lumber.
“The bars, they only charge us so much for a drink, and then we get the rest of the money … it’s very kind of the community to back us,” he said. “It’s worth it, whatever we make is worth it to us … it makes Washington better, that’s what it is.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Kim Malichky reacts to winning a TV from a raffle at the Washington Betterment Foundation's Pub Crawl Saturday night. Organizers said it was their biggest fundraiser of the year. (Photo submitted)